In the News

[The Montclair Times] Cellular phones ... annoying nuisances or next-generation worship tools?

In an attempt to answer this question, The Montclair Times contacted several of the town's religious leaders. This is what they had to say.

A POSITIVE BENEFIT

The Rev. John Mennell of St. Luke's Episcopal Church told The Times that his church has tried to embrace handheld technology. St. Luke's encourages people to bring their devices and use them to participate in the services, noted Mennell.

[New Jersey Herald] For many people, leftovers are the norm. It’s common to cook a meal and have enough to save for another day.

For Martin Steel, a congregation member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Sparta, leftovers presented an opportunity to help the community.

[GTS News] Nearly ten years ago, efforts began in the Diocese of Newark to establish a task force recognizing the importance of outreach to the growing Hispanic population throughout communities in New Jersey. The Rev. John C. Habecker (Class of 1978) while serving as rector of St. John’s, Dover before retirement, supported the committee with valuable counsel from 2008 to 2013.

[The Star-Ledger] As the country prepares to observe Saturday’s first anniversary of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., New Jersey is poised to play what we hope will be a salutary role in thus far fruitless efforts to pass legislation that would help keep guns out of the hands of those who are not allowed to own them.

[ABC Local] It's the season of giving. Many people are looking to help those less fortunate. But how do you know if your donations are actually reaching those who need it most? Here is some advice when it comes to holiday giving.

The Apostle's House in Newark is a shelter where homeless families live. Down in the pantry is a huge concern because there are empty freezers and bare shelves.

[The Star-Ledger] Cuts to the U.S. food stamp program will mean 1.9 billion fewer meals for hungry Americans in 2014. That’s more than half the number of meals the country’s food banks already are expected to serve. If House Republicans succeed in cutting $40 billion more from the program over the next decade, another 1.5 billion meals will be wiped out.

[The Montclair Times] Hunger is very present in Essex County.

Toni's Kitchen, the food ministry of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 73 South Fullerton Ave., has seen a 62 percent increase in the number of meals served to its guests since 2007, according to director Anne Mernin. The Salvation Army Montclair Citadel, 13 Trinity Place, served approximately 16 percent more meals in its most recent service year than it did the year previously, according to Major Larry Ashcraft.

Gerard "Jerry" Racioppi and Randall "Randy" Johnson are long time members of the Diocese of Newark; Randy is a member of the Episcopal House staff.

[West Orange Chronicle] West Orange residents Gerard Racioppi and Randall Johnson always knew they would eventually be able to legally marry in New Jersey, but never assumed it would happen so soon. Racioppi and Johnson were the first same-sex couple to be married in West Orange Township on Oct. 21, days after same-sex marriage was legalized in the state, following Gov. Chris Christie’s withdrawal of an appeal looking to ban the institution.

The Rev. Diane Riley, a Deacon in the Diocese of Newark, is quoted in this article.

[NJToday] Those who receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, will see a decrease in their assistance come Nov. 1. The reduction in benefits comes because a 2009 law temporarily increasing SNAP benefits during the recession has run out. The cut comes right before the holiday season and those involved in food banks and food pantries in New Jersey believe it will be devastating for those in the state who need the help.

Ed. note: Cindy Meneghin and Maureen Killian are log-time members of the Diocese of Newark.

[The Star-Ledger] Years ago, Cindy Meneghin's father gave her advice about making a lifelong commitment.

Every year, he said, ask Maureen Killian if she wants to spend the coming year together. Never take it for granted.

For 39 years, Killian has stayed by Meneghin's side ("Sometimes, I leave her hanging for a minute," Killian said). And Saturday, for the second or third time — depending on when you start counting — the two will be joined in marriage.